Blind Men See

Often, crowds gathered around Jesus as he walked and ministered. He healed many from diseases, cast out devils, and changed the lives of everyone he spoke to in one way or another. As we look closer, the accounts recorded in Matthew, Mark and Luke differ slightly.

Crowds Followed – Few Stopped Jesus

A large crowd followed Jesus as he walked near Jericho. They passed two blind men who were beggars. These two men cried out loudly to Jesus. Those closest to Jesus in the crowd told the beggars to be quiet.

But they shouted louder, …“Sir, Son of David, have mercy on us” (Matthew 20:30b Eyewitness). Then something different happened, Jesus stopped walking and commanded the beggars to come to him! Jesus often did the opposite of what those around him expected.

What Do You Want?

These two had a physical need – blindness. They knew Jesus could help, if he wanted to. They simply requested, “Heal our eyes so we can see” (Matthew 20:33 Eyewitness). Here’s what happened:

Jesus, moved with compassion, touched their eyes.

They received their eyesight.

They immediately followed.

One Gospel writer gives additional insight. Jesus spoke to the beggars he healed, “Look around. Because you believed, now you can see” (Mark 10:52a). These two not only followed Jesus, but glorified and praised God. The crowd joined in!

Application: These two beggars seemed to have been ignored by the throng around Jesus and possibly even Jesus himself! But as soon as Jesus heard their plea, he simply asked what they wanted. Jesus wants believers to talk with him about our needs. We can talk to him today. Simply ask, believe, and keep on asking.

Prayer: Father, thank you that you hear all believers. Even when the crowd shouts loudly, you hear our prayer. Glory to Your Name.

Question: Does it seem that your problems are too difficult to solve? Do you believe Jesus can answer them? How often do you ask Jesus for needs you have?